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Death crash man jailed

Thursday, 28th September 2000.

A MAN responsible for killing three members of the same family in a road smash was jailed on Friday for two years.
Stuart Gay, 27, of Antonia Close, Haverhill, was behind the wheel of a seven-and-a-half tonne lorry in August last year when it ploughed into a Rover car parked in an A11 layby.
Albert Jenkins, 56, his daughter Becky, 14, and her friend, Irene Sanchez, 15, died instantly as the lorry hit the back of the car at 57mph.
The mother of Mr Jenkins, Alice Jenkins, 82, survived the initial impact, but died in hospital six days later.
Judge Jonathan Howarth, sitting at Cambridge Crown Court, ordered he serve half the term in prison and also disqualified Gay from driving for three years.
He added: "This case is a tragedy in so many ways, but It's a tragedy caused by your dangerous driving. The overwhelming evidence is you fell asleep.
"it's clear that events have taken their toll on you, but any sympathy felt for you must be outweighed by our public responsiblility to keep the roads safe".
During his trial ealier this month, Gay made a dramatic change of plea when he admitted causing the deaths in the horror smash at Six Mile Bottom.
He wept as he accepted he could have dozed off on his journey, and that his driving was "far, far belowthat which would be expected of a carful, competent driver".
The only survivor was the wife of Mr Jemkins, Consuelo San Ruperto, 50, who lost her entire family in the crash.
Mrs San Ruperto was on holiday from Madrid with her family to attend her sister-in-laws wedding when the accident happened.
She was in hospital for months, and still requires further surgery.
Gay received only minot injuries and attempted to go to the victims' aid before calling the emergency services.
Jonatham Seely, in mitigation, described Gay as a young man of outstanding character.
"He is thoroughly decent and kind with a greta deal of promise determined to pursue a career in the fire service, not just for money but to serve and help others".
Albert Jenkins' twin Maureen was in court with his brother and sister, David Jenkins and Angela Capel.
Mrs Capel said: "We wanted him to admit he killed our family. In all this time we have never heard him say 'I'm sorry' or anything from his family".

Haverhill Weekly News

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